You don't need to dine atop a fancy rooftop in L.A. to see and enjoy sweeping views of the L.A. skyline. Enjoy my 10 favorite (free) downtown L.A. skyline views below - with pictures (100% of pictures are my own) and addresses for each of these spots. I hope you find this post helpful, and happy exploring to you!

1. City Hall Observation Deck

Those with a government ID (drivers license or ID card) can visit the observation deck at Los Angeles City Hall for FREE on Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. This observation deck is located on the 27th floor, and the views of the developing skyline from this spot are picturesque. Click here for more information about this spot in another one of my blog posts. Los Angeles City Hall is located at 200 N. Main Street in Downtown Los Angeles.

2. Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Building

The views from the L.A.D.W.P. building in Downtown L.A. are some of my absolute favorite! Click here for more information about this spot in another one of my blog posts. This building (the surrounding grounds are open to the public) is located at 111 N. Hope Street in Downtown Los Angeles.

​3. Pershing Square

Pershing Square is a public park smack-dab in the middle of Downtown L.A. The park hosts some pretty amazing 360 degree views of the L.A. skyline. It's a peaceful and quite place to kick back and enjoy an urban picnic as you enjoy the views. Pershing Square is located at 532 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

​4. 1st Street Bridge

The First Street Bridge connecting East L.A. to Downtown L.A. is a great spot to enjoy D.T.L.A. skyline views because it is the bridge that runs perfectly perpendicular to it. You can see First Street Bridge's location here on Yelp.

​5. 4th Street Bridge

Although not as impressive or perpendicular as the view from the First Street Bridge, the 4th street bridge also connects East L.A. to Downtown L.A. and has gorgeous views of the L.A. skyline. The bridge itself is impressively designed. You can see 4th Street Bridge's locationhere on Yelp.

​6. Beaudry Ave. Overpass

I was driving from Downtown to my apartment recently and stumbled upon this beautiful view. There are meters nearby, so you will need to park at one of these, and then be careful as you walk to this overpass (look for traffic, waiting for the walking symbol, etc)! Cars drive very quickly around here. The address here was near 505 S. Beaudry Ave; Los Angeles, CA 90017.

​7. Angels Point at Elysian Park

While Elysian Park in Los Angeles is home to a variety of hiking trails, it's also home to an incredible view of the L.A. skyline + Dodger Stadium. Click here for more information about this spot in another one of my blog posts. Angel's Point at Elysian Park is located at 1880 Academy Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90189.

​8. Griffith Observatory

Welcome to LA's gateway to the cosmos - the incredibly beautiful Griffith Observatory! Not only is this a great (free) location to check out and enjoy the impressive astronomy exhibits, but you will have beautiful views of the L.A. Skyline and even the Hollywood Sign. Click here for more information about this spot in another one of my blog posts. The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

​9. Hollywood Bowl Overlook

As you enter the lookout point at the Hollywood Bowl Overlook, you will be greeted with a stunning view of the L.A. Skyline - especially as the city lights begin to twinkle in the early evening. Click here for more information about this spot in another one of my blog posts. Hollywood Bowl Overlook is located at 7036 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

​10. Debs Park Hike

If you're in the mood for an active adventure, the L.A. skyline view from the top of Debs Park in Northeast L.A. is both unique and impressive. Click here for more information about this spot in another one of my blog posts. To get to the entrance of Deb's Park that I prefer in Highland Park, put this address into your GPS: 4651 Griffin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031.

EXPLORE YOUR HEART OUT

L.A. is an amazing and diverse city full of culture, history, art, nature, museums, and attractions - which results in countless things to do & see - no matter your budget. Time after time I find that when you seek new adventure, you will find it!